CALABAR —The Leader of Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Orok Otu Duke, Ph.D., has said the inclusion of Tinkoriko in the official Calabar Carnival and Festival programme has strengthened the cultural celebration’s prominence in Cross River state.
Duke, who disclosed this in a statement, said Tinkoriko had evolved beyond a mere cultural gathering to become an important part of the annual carnival season, bringing together youths, elders, cultural groups and communities to celebrate the heritage of Calabar.
He said the recognition of Tinkoriko as part of the official carnival programme had further enhanced its relevance among cultural stakeholders and provided an opportunity to showcase the history, traditions and identity of the people.
According to him, Tinkoriko serves as the closing celebration of the annual Calabar Carnival and Festival programme, providing a platform for cultural displays, performances and communal interaction.
“Tinkoriko is about who we are as a people. It is about our history, our culture, our unity and our shared values. This coming edition will remind everyone of the beauty and strength of Calabar heritage,” Duke said.
He said the continued development of the celebration would contribute to the wider promotion of tourism and cultural development in Cross River State.
Duke noted that greater attention to indigenous heritage could help project Calabar and Cross River to a wider audience while creating opportunities for younger generations to remain connected to their cultural roots.
He said the 2027 edition of Tinkoriko would be bigger and more distinctive, with preparations expected to further showcase the cultural identity and communal spirit of the people.
Duke also announced that Tinkoriko T-shirts and other paraphernalia would be made available to registered members between October and December 2026 as part of preparations for the 2027 celebration.
He said further details on the programme would be announced at the appropriate time.
Duke urged cultural enthusiasts and members of the Tinkoriko community to look forward to the 2027 edition, stressing the importance of preserving indigenous traditions while using cultural platforms to promote tourism and development in the state.
